Elvis Nolasco Talks New Spike Lee Film “Old Boy” [EXCLUSIVE]

Born and raised in New York City, actor Elvis Nolasco was drawn to entertainment from a young age. He spent evenings dancing to Latin music in his Dominican family home. His love for salsa music led to an interest in break dancing, where he spent nights dancing with the legendary break dancers Soul Sonic Rockers. His ability and style would later help to open doors to establish a solid career that spans film, theater and television.

He studied acting in Philadelphia and began winning a succession of leading roles in theaters around the city including the Arden, Freedom Theater, Walnut Street Theater and American Musical Theater Festival.

It was not long before Elvis was picked to co-star in the hit comedy “I Like It Like That” with Lauren Velez and Academy, Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress, Rita Morena. After that he was casted by Spike Lee for the film “Clockers” with Mekhi Phifer and Delroy Lindo. Elvis began building a line of great performances in several independent hits, including his critically acclaimed role in the film “In Search of a Dream,” the first all-Spanish speaking cast sanctioned by the Screen Actors Guild and the number one grossing independent Latino film.

Elvis has guest starred in several television series including “Law & Order,” “NYPD Blue,” “Law & Order SVU” and “Third Watch.” He appeared in the recurring role as Abe in the Spike Lee series, “Miracle Boys.” In addition, he continues to appear on stage, working both off Broadway and regional theater including New York Theater Works, Baltimore Center Stage, Young Playwright Festival and INTAR.

Elvis currently tours a one-man show “The Brief Wondrous Life Of Oscar Wao” based on the 2007 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Junot Diaz in conjunction with The American Place Theater. Elvis has numerous projects on the way including working with Spike Lee again in the film “Oldboy” alongside Samuel Jackson, Elizabeth Olsen, and Josh Brolin.

Elvis spoke exclusively with Zona de Sabor about his latest film “Oldboy.”

Tell me about your character in “Oldboy.”

My character is called “Cortez”, a religious quirky and quintessential character. He is sidekick to Chaney (Samuel L Jackson) who runs a non-government long-term prison that delivers extreme physiological torture. The prisoner in this case happens to be Joe Doucett (Josh Brolin) who is imprisoned for 20 yrs.

Who is in the film and how was your working relationship with these actors?

I was blessed to have all my scenes opposite the three leads of the film: Josh Brolin, Sam Jackson and Elizabeth Olsen. It was truly a pleasure and a blessing to work with all three. Each offered a unique approach to the craft, one that I strongly feel brings a lot of character and unique personality to the film.

Where was the movie filmed and when does it premiere?

The movie was filmed completely in New Orleans. To be released October 11th 2013.

What will be the next project you will be working in?

My next project will be the Colombian independent feature “Manos Sucias” directed by Josef Wladyka.